TIRANA, Dec 9 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ The “Mother Teresa” International Airport plans to welcome 12 million passengers in 2025, and by May 2025, it will upgrade to category 4E, meeting all the required standards. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Belinda Balluku, also Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, attended the ceremony held on Monday at Rinas Airport to mark the registration of the 10-millionth passenger. She stated that the new target for 2025 is to record 12 million passengers. 

 Balluku informed that in May 2025, Rinas International Airport will take another step forward by upgrading to category 4E. 

“This is attributed to investments made in the runway, aircraft stands, processing equipment, and, of course, firefighting services. These are the criteria that allow for advancement to a higher category,” she said. 

Another important development expected next year in the field of civil aviation is the opening of the Vlora Airport. 

“Next year, we expect another development related to competition in the country: the opening of Vlorë International Airport. I am confident that it will bring only positive competition among the three operational units in Albania, fully serving the citizens by offering competitive ticket prices, as well as more destinations and airlines in our country,” said Balluku. 

According to her, aviation will continue to be the sector of the future. 

“Albania is now acknowledged by our international partners as one of the leading countries in civil aviation. Each month, Albania ranks among the top nations, according to Eurocontrol and other international bodies that monitor civil aviation,” said Balluku. 

However, Balluku emphasized the importance of investing in human resources, which she believes are crucial in this sector. 

“A competent and well-trained staff is required, and this is true for all airports. For this reason, we have launched a very important initiative, the creation of an academy that will address all needs in a timely manner, as it is well known how difficult it is to develop a professional in civil aviation. The commitment of all stakeholders is needed to support this effort, which will create new employment opportunities and career pathways for those who choose an international profession, with a license that will allow them to work anywhere in the world, but after having contributed to their own country,” said Balluku.